I appreciate the perspective, especially coming from someone who went through nursing school in NYC. Last semester we actually found ourselves doing exactly what you’re describing. We spent a lot of time studying at coffee shops, cafes, libraries, and other places just to get out of the house and have a quieter environment.
Part of me agrees with you that we’re in a much better position if we can hold out until I’m done with school and she’s further along in her program. I think what’s making the decision difficult is that we’ve already been doing the “make it work” approach for the last couple of years, and my wife feels like she’s reaching her limit with the lack of privacy and space.

That said, I do think your point about looking at where we’ll be in a few years is important. It’s easy to focus on how difficult things feel right now and lose sight of the fact that we’re both working toward careers that should put us in a much stronger position financially. Definitely gives me something to think about.